Dubai is witnessing a major transformation in its retail sector. Dubai Holding, one of the UAE’s leading investment and management companies, has consolidated over 40 shopping malls and lifestyle destinations under a single brand. The newly formed brand, “Dubai Retail,” aims to offer a more consistent and effective retail experience for both visitors and investors.

Strategic Move by Dubai Holding: Strengthening Its Retail Presence

Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM) has made a groundbreaking merger by including strong brands like Nakheel and Meydan. Effective since 2024, this consolidation brings Dubai’s retail sector under one roof, aiming to strengthen the city’s position as a global shopping and lifestyle hub.

Dubai Retail operates an extensive portfolio covering more than 40 destinations. This includes 10 major shopping malls, 15 lifestyle areas, and 18 retail centers. The group offers a total leasable area of 13 million square meters, welcomes over 132 million visitors annually, and hosts approximately 6,500 retailers.

This scale and diversity further increase Dubai’s importance for both tourism and local consumption. Dubai Retail’s goal is to consolidate this strength under one organized brand to enhance customer experience and create value for investors.

New Lifestyle and Shopping Destination: Nad Al Sheba Mall Stands Out

One of Dubai Retail’s most notable new projects is the Nad Al Sheba Mall, scheduled to open in April 2025. This massive center, spanning 500,000 square meters, is set to elevate the shopping and lifestyle quality of the region (mediaoffice.ae).

The mall will house over 100 stores, along with lifestyle facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, and padel courts. Well-known brands like Home Bakery, SALT, and Spinneys will also be part of the complex. Thus, it will become a destination not only for shopping but also for social and sporting activities.

Dubai Holding’s investment will boost the region’s attractiveness while contributing to the local economy and employment.

New Tourist and Local Lifestyle Attractions

Dubai Retail isn’t limited to shopping malls. Iconic lifestyle and entertainment areas such as Bluewaters, JBR, and West Beach are also part of the portfolio. These areas serve as social and cultural gathering spots for both tourists and residents (dubaiholding.com).

Luxury shops, restaurants, café chains, and entertainment options are offered in these regions. Bluewaters Island, notably, hosts Ain Dubai, one of Dubai’s landmark structures.

By branding these diverse destinations, Dubai Retail enables holistic management of the city’s retail and lifestyle experience.

Growth Trend in Dubai’s Retail Sector

Dubai’s retail sector has experienced rapid recovery and growth following the pandemic. Dubai Mall alone exceeded 57 million visitors in the first half of 2024, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year (reddit.com).

This increase further confirms Dubai’s status as a regional and global shopping tourism hub. The merger under Dubai Retail and the expansion of the portfolio support this growth momentum and contribute to the sector’s sustainability.

Vision and Goals for the Future

Dubai Holding Asset Management manages not only large shopping malls but also lifestyle and cultural destinations under the Dubai Retail brand, applying a holistic approach. This strategy aims to improve customer experience while enhancing operational efficiency.

Additionally, this move is part of Dubai’s efforts to boost global brand recognition and strengthen the entire chain from tourism to retail revenues.

Dubai Retail is set to become an important reference point for other investors in the region, creating new collaborations and growth opportunities.

Conclusion

Dubai Holding’s consolidation of its retail portfolio under the Dubai Retail brand has made shopping and lifestyle experiences in the city more integrated and manageable.

New investments like Nad Al Sheba Mall and the inclusion of iconic areas like Bluewaters and JBR support Dubai’s progress not only as a commercial center but also as a city of lifestyle and culture.

This merger stands out as a key part of Dubai’s strategy to achieve sustainable growth, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase global competitiveness in the retail sector.

Prime Sharing Ends! Prime Sharing

Amazon will shut down Prime Invitee, the legacy perk that lets members share free shipping with non-household users, on October 1, 2025. In an update to its support page, Amazon says it will cut off Prime benefit sharing on October 1st, 2025. Invitees who don’t live with the account holder will be prompt to sign up for their own subscription at a discounted $14.99 rate for one year (and then $14.99 per month after that). Prime Sharing

Prime Sharing Ends: Impact on e-commerce sellers in the U.S. marketplace

1. Prime badge becomes even more decisive. As Invitees lose free shipping, Prime-eligible offers (FBA/SFP) should see a relative conversion lift versus non-Prime offers in price-parity situations.

2. There has been a minor demand wobble from “former Invitees.” A subset of addresses may order less until they accept the $14.99 offer or pay shipping, expect a temporary dip in non-Prime conversions.

3. Basket engineering matters. For FBM, mitigate friction with free-shipping thresholds, coupons, or bundles in categories where margins allow.

4. SFP calculus: If your SLA and geography permit, Seller Fulfilled Prime can capture Prime-loyal buyers without complete FBA dependency.

5. CAC vs. LTV: Traffic from newly converted Prime users often shows higher repeat and AOV, justifying short-term promo spends that move shoppers into Subscribe & Save or replenishment flows.

6. Operational note: Audit listings for messaging that implies “shared Prime benefits” and update FAQs and CS macros to reflect the change.

Will other regions follow?

• Europe, the UK, and many markets already emphasise household-only sharing via Amazon Household; no “Invitee” backdoor exists. Expect policy harmonization, not new sharing.

• MENA (Amazon.ae): Prime remains individual, with local pricing (e.g., AED 16/month) and no Invitee-style sharing; the news is U.S.-specific for now. Competing memberships (e.g., Noon One) continue to push individual, not shared, benefits often bundled via banks/telcos. Prime Sharing

• U.S. retail membership trend: Rivals (Target Circle 360, Walmart+) court households with delivery perks, but do not promote cross-household sharing; the industry is standardising around single-household access.

Seller playbook

• Prioritise Prime eligibility for Q4/Q1: Migrate key ASINs to FBA/SFP; pressure-test cutoffs for “Arrives by” windows now.

• Segment your audience: Build a remarketing pool for “likely Invitees” (addresses with prior non-Prime patterns) and test first-order coupons during Sept–Oct while the $14.99 conversion window runs.

• Tune shipping economics: For FBM, model free-shipping thresholds and multi-unit bundles to neutralize lost subsidy perception.

• Messaging: In creatives and A+ content, highlight “Fast, Free Prime Delivery” where eligible; for non-Prime, emphasize value stacks (warranties, bundles, refills).

• Measure: Track Prime vs non-Prime CVR, AOV, unit session %, and Buy Box share by fulfilment type weekly through October.

HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s national AI company, is set to launch its first line of AI-powered laptops in October 2025. These devices, developed by the company’s Riyadh-based Edge Devices unit, reflect a larger national push to develop sovereign technologies in hardware and AI. Built on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite platform, the laptops will run ALLaM, an Arabic-focused large language model developed in-house.

First unveiled as a prototype at the LEAP25 tech event in Riyadh, the laptops are designed for students and enterprises in the Middle East and Africa. Their fully localized, offline-capable AI performance is intended to reduce reliance on cloud infrastructure while ensuring user privacy a major priority in many regional digital strategies.

Targeted for Education and Business

HUMAIN’s laptops are being positioned as practical tools for everyday use in classrooms, offices, and development environments. With ALLaM models running natively, the devices can perform tasks such as summarization, translation, tutoring, and data analysis without needing to connect to the cloud. This makes them particularly useful for regions with limited internet bandwidth or where data privacy regulations are strict.

According to HUMAIN, the AI PCs aim to outperform existing market options not necessarily in raw power but in usability, language relevance, and edge AI deployment. The devices are tailored to serve Arabic-speaking users more effectively than globally available alternatives that are often trained primarily on English-language datasets.

The company has already begun integrating these laptops internally, with every new employee receiving one as part of their onboarding kit. This move serves both as a real-world test of the device’s capabilities and a demonstration of HUMAIN’s confidence in its products.

A Strategic Product in a Larger AI Ecosystem

The AI laptops are just one part of HUMAIN’s broader mandate to develop the Kingdom’s AI capabilities. Founded in May 2025 with backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), HUMAIN is tasked with building foundational AI infrastructure, including high-capacity data centers, sovereign LLMs, and national computing power — all in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy (Financial Times).

One of HUMAIN’s most ambitious initiatives involves building state-of-the-art AI data centers in Riyadh and Dammam, each expected to deliver up to 100 megawatts of computing power. To enable this, the company has secured a deal with Nvidia to supply 18,000 of its Blackwell GB300 GPUs a significant move, especially given the ongoing global shortage of advanced AI chips (Reuters).

Further expanding its infrastructure efforts, HUMAIN has entered a $10 billion partnership with AMD to develop AI capabilities in both Saudi Arabia and the U.S. The project is expected to deliver 500 megawatts of computing capacity and will prioritize open, scalable, and resilient systems suitable for a variety of sectors, from education to defense.

Cisco is also playing a critical role in HUMAIN’s ecosystem. The networking giant will provide infrastructure support for HUMAIN’s AI data centers and collaborate on talent development through a new Cisco AI Institute at KAUST University. The institute aims to train over 200,000 Saudi nationals in AI-related skills over the next decade.

A Sovereign Approach to Language Models

What sets HUMAIN’s devices apart is their integration with ALLaM a family of Arabic large language models designed for regional linguistic and cultural contexts. Unlike many global models that offer limited or generalized support for Arabic, ALLaM is trained on curated Arabic datasets and fine-tuned for applications relevant to government, education, and business users in the Arab world.

The ability to run these models locally on-device also introduces a new level of autonomy for users. It reduces dependency on foreign tech infrastructure and aligns with a broader trend toward “sovereign AI” where countries seek control over both the data and the intelligence systems that process it.

This aligns with a growing sentiment globally, particularly in emerging markets, where the dependence on large U.S. or Chinese tech platforms raises concerns about digital sovereignty, cultural relevance, and long-term resilience.

International Significance and Geopolitical Dimensions

HUMAIN’s device launch is also emblematic of a shifting international AI landscape. The U.S. government’s recent easing of restrictions on the export of high-performance AI chips to certain Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has allowed companies like HUMAIN and Abu Dhabi’s G42 to access critical infrastructure components a move seen by many as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region.

This access is vital for scaling LLMs, building sovereign data centers, and now, developing devices like AI-powered laptops that extend AI’s reach to the edge. With these tools, Saudi Arabia is signaling that it aims to be a technology leader, not just a technology adopter.

Looking Ahead

The launch of HUMAIN’s AI PCs is more than a product release  it’s a strategic statement. By integrating hardware, AI models, and infrastructure, the company is laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining ecosystem capable of serving local and regional markets with minimal dependence on foreign technologies.

As the devices become available in October, they will serve as a real-world test of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in the AI hardware space. Their adoption by schools, companies, and government agencies will offer insight into the viability of edge AI solutions in Arabic-speaking regions.

If successful, HUMAIN’s approach could inspire other countries in the region to pursue similar strategies  building AI tools that reflect local needs, languages, and data realities while reducing reliance on external platforms.

SimCorp, a global leader in investment management solutions, is set to transform private market investing with its latest offering, SimCorp Alternatives. This new solution aims to simplify the way asset managers approach alternative investments such as private equity, hedge funds, and real estate, providing a more streamlined and data-driven platform. The move comes as demand for alternative assets continues to grow, driven by the search for higher returns and portfolio diversification in a post-pandemic world (The Financial Times).

A New Era for Alternative Investments

Alternative assets have gained significant attention in recent years, with investors looking beyond traditional stocks and bonds to diversify portfolios. As institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals increasingly seek exposure to private markets, the complexity of managing these investments has grown. The challenge lies in dealing with fragmented data, manual processes, and the lack of transparency that can often come with private equity and hedge fund investments.

SimCorp Alternatives addresses these challenges head-on by providing a unified platform that offers real-time insights, automated processes, and advanced analytics. This allows asset managers to make more informed decisions and effectively manage risk, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the performance and potential of their alternative investments (Business Insider).

Key Features of SimCorp Alternatives

The core of SimCorp Alternatives is its powerful data-driven infrastructure, which enables seamless integration with existing investment management systems. Asset managers can now manage a wide range of alternative assets, including private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and real estate, all within a single platform. This eliminates the need for disparate systems, reducing operational costs and minimizing errors.

Some of the standout features include:

1. Real-Time Analytics: The platform allows for real-time monitoring of investment performance, helping managers assess risks, opportunities, and portfolio composition more effectively (Reuters).

2. Data Transparency: By providing clear visibility into the data behind each investment, SimCorp Alternatives helps investors understand the underlying assets better, aiding in due diligence and portfolio construction.

3. Automation of Back Office Operations: With automation capabilities, SimCorp Alternatives reduces manual tasks related to accounting, reporting, and reconciliation. This enables asset managers to focus on strategic decision-making rather than time-consuming administrative work.

4. Risk Management Tools: The platform incorporates advanced risk management tools to help assess and mitigate potential risks in private market investments, providing investors with the peace of mind they need in an increasingly complex market.

The Growing Need for Alternative Assets

The need for alternative investments has never been more evident. Over the past decade, the performance of traditional markets has been unpredictable, with increasing volatility, low-interest rates, and changing market conditions making it difficult for investors to generate stable returns. As a result, private equity and other alternative assets have become a go-to option for portfolio diversification.

Private equity, in particular, has seen an uptick in demand as institutional investors seek higher returns that are not correlated to the public markets. According to industry reports from Preqin, global private equity fundraising reached an all-time high in 2023, reflecting the growing importance of alternative assets in institutional portfolios. The trend is also visible in the real estate market, where real estate investment trusts (REITs) and direct real estate investments are becoming increasingly popular among institutional investors.

SimCorp Alternatives is entering the market at a time when such trends are accelerating, positioning itself to help investors navigate the complexity of private market investing and capture the opportunities that these markets offer.

Streamlining Investment Management

One of the major challenges in alternative investment management is the fragmented and often opaque nature of data. Many asset managers struggle to integrate data from different systems, leading to inefficiencies and errors. SimCorp Alternatives solves this problem by offering a centralized platform where all relevant data is stored in one place, streamlining the entire investment management process.

By leveraging SimCorp Alternatives, investors gain a 360-degree view of their portfolio, allowing them to track performance across various asset classes and investment strategies. This centralized data also improves the accuracy of financial reporting, helping firms comply with regulatory requirements more easily.

How SimCorp Alternatives Supports Investors

SimCorp’s innovative solution offers a comprehensive toolset designed to address the unique needs of private market investors. For institutional investors managing large portfolios, SimCorp Alternatives enables more effective portfolio construction and asset allocation. The solution’s advanced analytics can identify trends, helping investors uncover hidden opportunities in private markets that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For smaller investors, the platform provides easy access to alternative investment options, democratizing what has traditionally been a complex and opaque space. Investors can access data and insights that were previously only available to large institutional players, leveling the playing field.

The Future of Private Market Investing

The introduction of SimCorp Alternatives marks a significant shift in how private market investments will be managed in the future. By combining automation, real-time data, and advanced analytics, SimCorp is providing investors with the tools they need to make smarter decisions in an increasingly complex investment environment.

Looking forward, SimCorp plans to continue expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving demands of alternative asset management. As more investors turn to private equity, hedge funds, and other alternative assets, solutions like SimCorp Alternatives will play a pivotal role in enabling them to navigate this complex landscape with confidence.

Conclusion

SimCorp Alternatives is poised to revolutionize private market investing by offering a sophisticated, data-driven platform that simplifies the management of alternative assets. With its ability to integrate data, provide real-time analytics, and automate operational processes, it addresses some of the biggest challenges in the industry today. As the demand for alternative investments continues to grow, SimCorp’s solution provides investors with the tools they need to succeed in this evolving market.

Moroccan e-commerce startup Justyol has raised 1 million dollars to expand its operations across North Africa, aiming to reach more consumers and strengthen its market presence. The funding comes in two parts: 400,000 dollars in equity from local investors and 600,000 dollars in inventory financing from Turkey-based Danış Group, which will enable the company to scale up its product offerings and logistical operations (Waya Media).

Focus on Turkish Fashion and Lifestyle Products

Since its launch, Justyol has positioned itself as a hub for Turkish fashion and lifestyle products in Morocco, offering consumers high-quality apparel, accessories, and home décor items. The company collaborates with international suppliers and local Moroccan partners to ensure a reliable supply chain and product variety. With the new investment, Justyol plans to expand into electronics, home appliances, and lifestyle categories, responding to growing consumer demand in the region.

Operational Expansion and Logistics Enhancement

A significant portion of the funding will be directed toward strengthening operational capacity and logistics infrastructure. Justyol intends to increase warehouse space, optimize delivery routes, and ensure faster and more reliable deliveries across Morocco and other North African markets. The company is also investing in its technology platform, enhancing the user experience for mobile and web customers, which is critical as mobile commerce continues to dominate online shopping in the MENA region.

Marketing and Regional Outreach

To maximize market penetration, Justyol plans to invest heavily in digital marketing campaigns. The company is targeting social media platforms, search engine advertising, and influencer partnerships to attract new users. By promoting Turkish fashion and lifestyle products, Justyol aims to differentiate itself in a competitive landscape where local and regional e-commerce platforms are vying for market share. This marketing strategy aligns with trends reported by consultancy firms tracking MENA e-commerce, highlighting the importance of localized campaigns in building consumer trust (Waya Media).

Preparing for Series A Funding

Justyol’s leadership has also announced plans to pursue a Series A funding round in the near future. The recent 1 million dollar injection is intended to lay the groundwork for scaling operations and attracting larger institutional investors. This next stage of investment will enable Justyol to expand beyond Morocco into Algeria, Tunisia, and potentially other North African countries, strengthening its position as a regional e-commerce player.

North African E-Commerce Market Context

The North African e-commerce market has been experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and digital payment solutions. According to BCC Research, the MENA e-commerce market is expected to reach 80.3 billion dollars by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.7 percent (BCC Research). Companies like Justyol are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends by offering differentiated products and localized services tailored to consumer preferences.

Technology Integration and Mobile Commerce

Justyol is also investing in technology integration, including AI-driven product recommendations and enhanced mobile shopping experiences. Mobile commerce has become a key driver of e-commerce in North Africa, with a large percentage of transactions occurring via smartphones. By optimizing its platform for mobile users, Justyol aims to increase conversion rates and customer retention, aligning with broader regional trends in digital commerce (Consultancy ME).

Strategic Partnerships and Supplier Networks

In addition to technology and logistics, Justyol emphasizes building strong partnerships with suppliers and local businesses. This approach ensures a steady supply of popular Turkish fashion and lifestyle products while allowing the company to maintain competitive pricing. Local partnerships also help navigate regulatory environments and cultural preferences, which are critical for e-commerce growth in North Africa.

Long-Term Growth Vision

The ultimate goal for Justyol is to establish itself as a leading e-commerce platform across the MENA region, offering a wide range of lifestyle and consumer products while leveraging technology and operational efficiency. The company’s strategy focuses on scalable logistics, strong supplier relationships, and customer-centric digital experiences, all of which are crucial for sustainable growth.

Conclusion

The 1 million dollar investment positions Justyol to expand its reach, enhance its operations, and prepare for larger funding rounds in the future. With a focus on Turkish fashion and lifestyle products, operational efficiency, and digital innovation, the platform is set to play a significant role in the North African e-commerce landscape. As the region’s online shopping market continues to grow, companies like Justyol are emerging as key players capable of shaping consumer behavior and market dynamics (Waya Media).

A new report from IMARC Group forecasts a dramatic rise in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) e‑commerce market, projecting it to grow from USD 507.2 billion in 2024 to USD 2,020.6 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3 percent. This remarkable surge underscores the region’s accelerating shift toward digital commerce. OpenPR+1

Market Growth Drivers

The GCC region is undergoing profound digital transformation, driven by exceptionally high internet access and mobile adoption. The region boasts nearly universal internet penetration and smartphone usage, positioning it at the forefront of mobile‑first e‑commerce. OpenPR

Government‑led programs such as Saudi Vision 2030 and initiatives like Dubai’s Smart City project are accelerating this trend. These policies focus on digital infrastructure, fintech ecosystems and smart retail, thereby elevating e‑commerce accessibility and consumer confidence. OpenPR

Changing consumer behavior, especially among younger, tech‑savvy demographics, also plays a pivotal role. Surveys suggest that over 90 percent of GCC residents in Saudi Arabia and the UAE now shop online regularly, showcasing a strong preference for digital retail channels. OpenPR

Emerging Market Trends

The report highlights several notable trends shaping the GCC e‑commerce ecosystem:

• Mobile Commerce (m‑commerce): With such widespread smartphone adoption, platforms are investing heavily in seamless mobile user experiences, supporting app-based and responsive designs that drive higher conversion rates. OpenPR

• Social Commerce: Increasingly, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Snapchat serve as primary discovery and sales channels, blending social media and commerce instinctively. OpenPRbriefingwire.com

• Sustainable Practices & Eco‑Logistics: With growing environmental awareness, green logistics and eco-friendly packaging are emerging as key competitive differentiators in the GCC market. OpenPR

• AI‑Driven Retail Innovation: Artificial intelligence is empowering personalized shopping experiences, predictive inventory management, conversational commerce, and fraud detection, reshaping customer engagement across the region. OpenPRMenafn

Market Segmentation — By Type, Transaction, and Country

The e‑commerce sector in the GCC spans several product categories including home appliances, apparel, cosmetics, groceries, books, and others. Transactions are divided into B2C, B2B, C2C, and more. Geographically, the market includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. IMARC GroupOpenPR

Quick Commerce: A Fast‑Emerging Subset

Quick commerce (q‑commerce) is another high‑growth niche, offering ultra-fast deliveries—often within minutes. This market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 22.6 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 30.2 percent. IMARC Group

Alternative Forecasts: A Slower—but Steady—Growth Scenario

Another analysis by Market Research Future (MRFR) offers a contrasting, more conservative forecast for the GCC e‑commerce market. This outlook estimates growth from USD 236.9 billion in 2024 to USD 510 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of approximately 7.2 percent over the period 2025–2035. Market Research Future

Focusing specifically on the business‑to‑consumer segment (B2C), the market is projected to rise from USD 124.1 billion in 2024 to USD 353.0 billion by 2035, at a 9.97 percent CAGR. Market Research Future

Broader Context and Comparative Outlook

Beyond the GCC, the Middle Eastern e‑commerce market as a whole was estimated at USD 1,888 billion in 2024. IMARC projects this broader region to reach USD 10,957 billion by 2033, exhibiting an even more aggressive CAGR of 21.6 percent. IMARC Group

Conclusion

The GCC e‑commerce sector is on the cusp of rapid expansion, fueled by digital transformation, supportive government policies, rising mobile commerce, and increasing consumer adoption. High projections by IMARC signal GDP‑level growth quadrupling over a decade while MRFR offers a steadier outlook. Quick commerce and AI‑enabled customer experiences are emerging as differentiators, and social and mobile shopping continue to redefine retail behaviors.

Whether planning for rapid scalability or sustainable growth, stakeholders in the region from retailers to tech providers must strategically align with evolving market dynamics. The path ahead promises both vast opportunity and heightened competition.